All Spanish Uefa Cup Final at Hampden Park

Defending champions Sevilla clash with Espanyol in the first ever all-Spanish Uefa Cup Final at Hampden Park on Wednesday, and Juande Ramos' side are favourites across the board. Bet Chroncile and Expekt being the most generous by going even money. It's exciting times for Sevilla - not only because they are in pole to retain their crown in this competition but, for the first time in 50 years, they are in with a chance of winning La Liga. Furthermore, they are also in the final of the Spanish Cup, so a glorious trophy hat-trick remains a possibility. Conversely, Espanyol are mid-table, currently twelfth in La Liga, and they have yet to plunder a major title. The Periquitos did, however, reach the final of this very competition in 1988, only to lose out on penalties against German club Bayer Leverkusen. Ramos, who used to coach at Espanyol, is playing down the perceived superiority of his charges, pointing out that their Catalan rivals are an 'uncomfortable rival' for Sevilla. Indeed, the title chasers beat Espanyol for the first time in Ramos' two-year tenure when prevailing 3-1 in a league fixture three weeks ago. But of a bigger concern to the manager is the groin strain which Freddie Kanoute has been struggling with recently, and which has cast a shadow of doubt over his participation on Wednesday. The African striker, who is the second highest scorer in La Liga this term with only Ruud van Nistelrooy ahead, would be sorely missed if he is ruled out of the match. Espanyol's talismanic striker Walter Pandiani is the top striker in this year's tournament and the South American will be a potent threat to a Sevilla defense that will be without key defender Julien Escude, albeit Javi Navarro is expected to have fully recovered from a cold in time to make the starting XI. Personally, I reckon Sevilla will vindicate the bookmakers' decision to make them clear favourites and win the competition for the second year in succession. But from a betting perspective, 4+ in the total goals market at 11/4 with Blue Square is the most appealing punting option, as this game should be played at a high tempo and I'd be surprised if it fails to deliver plenty of goal-mouth action. Verdict - 2pts 4+ in the total goals market @ 11/4 (Blue Square) #1 Betfair Bonus £25 Free Bet.#2 Ladbrokes £25 Free Bet.#3 Paddypower Bonus £20 Free Bet.